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All-new Volkswagen Amarok revealed

Co-developed with the latest Ford Ranger, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok is set to go on sale later this year

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Initially available as a four-door double-cab model, the new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up is set to go on sale by the end of this year.

Scheduled as the successor to the German brand’s original pick-up of the same name that first arrived in the UK in 2011, the new Volkswagen Amarok has been developed alongside the latest iteration of the Ford Ranger pickup, and is set to challenge sales for its Ford stablemate and other rivals like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.

The Amarok inherits the muscular silhouette of the Ranger, as well as the Ford’s windscreen, roof, side and rear windows, door handles and mirror housings. The front end fascia is an example of Volkswagen’s latest design language – the rectangular grille flanked by teardrop LED headlights.

The flared wheel arches are larger than before, sitting above 18-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels. The pickup will initially be offered as a four-door double-cab, but two-door single-cab versions will be added to the range sometime in 2023.

While the original Amarok could handle a cargo box payload of 1,030kg, the next-generation model increases this figure to 1,160kg, which trumps the Hilux payload maximum of 1,000kg. This cargo box can be secured with an electrically-operated roll cover which can be controlled by the key fob. A hard top for the cargo area will be available for an additional fee.

Volkswagen says that the eye rings fitted to the cargo box floor can hold 500kg each. The roof rack bars, which are slightly longer than those found on the Ford Ranger, can hold a maximum weight of 350kg, which is 150kg more than the old Amarok. The pick-up can be specced with a bike-holder, which is an optional extra.

The new Amarok is slightly longer than the old model that was taken off sale in 2020, but also has a shorter overhang behind the rear wheels, which Volkswagen says makes the new iteration better suited to off-road driving than its predecessor. Towing capacity has also been increased to a maximum of 3500kg.

The Ford Ranger similarities continue in the cabin, as both the Ranger and Amarok have the same dashboard layout and ten-inch infotainment touchscreen (a 12-inch console is available with more expensive trims).

However, Volkswagen was keen to leave its own mark on the Amarok’s interior – using its own infotainment and digital instrument cluster software, and trimming the upholstery in different materials. Standard ‘Style’ models feature seats trimmed in cloth, while top-spec ‘PanAmericana’ and ‘Aventura’ variants are trimmed in leather.

The old Amarok was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, and this unit is also part of the new range. This 250hp unit sits towards the top of the powertrain line-up, above the entry-level 150hp 2.0-litre diesel, which is also available with a single turbocharger which increases its output to 170hp, or a twin-turbocharger for an output of 210hp.

A 300hp 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine is the most powerful option in the range, however. Models can be specced with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, or a six- or ten-speed automatic transmission (only available on models over 200hp).

As part of Volkswagen’s agreement with Ford, the new Amarok will be manufactured in Ford’s plant in Pretoria, South Africa. Further details, including UK pricing and trim level specifics, will be released closer to the pick-up’s UK arrival towards the end of the year.

Sean Rees
Sean Rees
Sean is the Deputy Editor at The Van Expert. A enthusiastic fan of motorsport and all things automotive, he is accredited by the Professional Publishers Association, and is now focused on helping those in van-buying need with independent and impartial advice.